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Oct.
18, 2001

DPS
Begins Hazmat Security Effort

A joint effort by
state and federal officials to educate hazardous material carriers about
security issues is now underway.

The new initiative
was developed at the request of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
DPS License and Weight personnel, along with Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration representatives, will make on-site visits to more than
1,900 Texas shipping and trucking companies that transport various hazardous
materials on Texas roadways. The program is not based on a specific threat,
but is an ongoing effort to bolster security awareness.

"We are trying
to raise the security consciousness of all Texas hazardous material carriers
because of increased concerns about terrorism," said DPS Director
Col. Thomas Davis Jr. "We know carriers are already taking a variety
of steps on their own and we want to make sure that they have the best
and latest information."

During the on-site
visits, specific information will be provided to motor carrier officials
to help them address security issues. Companies are being asked to review
the security of their storage procedures and security measures taken during
the transportation of such materials. Authorities will also suggest a
detailed examination of personnel security by reviewing driver files and
ensuring that background checks have been performed as required by federal
regulations.

Companies will be
reminded to be alert for suspicious behavior by drivers, shippers, vendors
or the public and immediately report such activity to authorities. The
DPS also is urging that any thefts or missing materials be immediately
reported to DPS or other law enforcement authorities.

In addition, DPS
personnel continue to perform random roadside truck inspections with a
heightened sense of awareness for suspicious activity that may indicate
the possibility of terrorist or other criminal activity.

Note
to editor:More information on this effort
is also available on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's
Web site,